Brother (Thatha)

His Vision That Transformed the Lives of Children and the Marginalized.

The air around RTU seems to carry the voices of children calling out with longing and love, “Send back our Thaatha (grandfather).” This heartfelt cry reflects the deep bond children shared with Brother James—a man whose presence reached even the most remote villages and the youngest voices. His words were simple yet profound, and his life radiated a spiritual warmth that compassionate hearts instinctively recognized and embraced.

At RTU, love was not merely a value—it was the organization’s living language. Harmony, mutual respect, and compassion set its rhythm. Caste, religion, and region found no place on this sacred ground. Discipline and order shaped daily life, while children’s laughter filled every corner. Like the gentle springs of Kodaikanal, RTU offered calm and renewal to all who entered—a sanctuary of peace, dignity, and hope.

Human language struggles to fully capture the depth of this “paradise of children’s love” Brother James envisioned. When he began RTU with only Rs. 2,000 in hand, he never imagined the journey ahead—one that would touch the lives of millions of abandoned and vulnerable children. He believed this work was guided by God and carried forward through human hands. Each act of compassion led to new beginnings; each selfless deed opened doors to greater service. Unwavering in his mission, Brother James dedicated himself fully to the purpose placed in his heart. In return, providence never failed him, and resources arrived when they were most needed.

Brother James possessed extraordinary attentiveness—nothing escaped his caring notice, no matter how small or distant. His life was defined by giving, even when it demanded personal sacrifice. His presence conveyed compassion, his actions offered protection, and his steps moved swiftly toward those in need. He embraced the fatherless, uplifted the broken, and sowed values of love, justice, and dignity into everyday life. His legacy is not easily summarized; it is lived, felt, and carried forward by generations inspired by his example. History remembers those who act, not merely those who speak—and his life remains a guiding light for the future.

RTU stands as a living reflection of his vision: a place where the poor are honored and equality is practiced. It is a democratic community without a hierarchy of power—workers are stakeholders, daily laborers are decision-makers, and leadership is shared. Cooperation, shared responsibility, and mutual care define its spirit. Here, no one lives for themselves alone.

Deeply rooted in faith, Brother James lived by the conviction that where God guides, He provides. Through every challenge, his trust remained unshaken. Until his final breath, his heart beat for the well-being of children, and his life was intertwined with their future. Women and children—often the most affected in times of crisis—were always his first priority. Through innovative initiatives such as the Children’s Parliament, he nurtured leadership, responsibility, and citizenship among young people.

Serving children was not merely his mission; it was his identity. “Serving children is my life and my value,” he once said. In life and beyond, he chose to remain their Thaatha forever—a grandfather whose love, vision, and sacrifice live on in every child he touched.